There was a test conducted by Walter Mischel during 1960s at a preschool on the Stanford University campus. The researcher left a group of 4-year olds in a room with each one of them had one marshmallow with them. They were allowed to eat the marshmallow, but if they can wait 15 to 20 minutes until the researchers returned to the room, they can have two marshmallows for the treat.
The result: About one thirds of the 4-year olds waited until the researcher returns and got two marshmallows. A third or so didn't and ended up with only one marshmallow. What more striking is that when the same kids reached to high school graduation, the ones who couldn't wait had much lower SAT scores than those who could. In other words, by measuring your capability to resist instant gratification at early age we can predict your future success.
This is a test of self control, or what Walter Mischel described as "goal-directed self-imposed delay of gratification". It shows the importance of EQ or Emotional Intelligence to our success. And it is a better indicator of person's success than IQ.
Now imagine some other situations that need impulse control: abstinence, watching TV vs. reading a book, etc. With the temptation of instant-gratification, can you still maintain your control?
We live in an instant-gratification time; Internet ensures your gratification is met at speed of thought. Want that new movie in Blue-Ray? Several clicks through Amazon and it will show up at your doorstep a couple of days later. Can't wait to talk to the old friend face to face? Hop on MSN or AIM and turn on the webcam, you can talk to her or him right away. Now ask yourself as a parent: are you encouraging your kids into the activities that require delayed gratification? Would you take that computer or iPod away from kids and hand them the books and newspapers? Or even better, can you help your kids to divide the gratification into sub goals, make actionable plans to achieve these sub goals, and enjoy not only the final gratification but also every minute of the process?
